This 36,000m² GFA (21,000m² GLAR) extension includes three levels of retail space sandwiched by basement and rooftop car parking. The project has been awarded a 5 Star Green Star – Retail Centre v1 As-Built certified rating, which represents ‘Australian Excellence’ in environmentally sustainable construction. The 5 Star As-Built rating is the first and highest As-Built rating for retail centres in Australia. This rating was achieved without applying for a Design rating, an excellent result for the entire project team.
The retail space includes an anchor supermarket tenant, a number of mini-major tenants and speciality stores as well as, fresh and fast food offerings. The food court is a unique feature which includes an operable facade which can be opened when weather permits, creating a natural eating environment.
The development focused on passive design which reduced energy consumption while ensuring shoppers were comfortable. The mall space utilises a passive mode of conditioning where spill air from the stores is the only source of cooling, enabling the mall to be opened when ambient conditions suit, providing an open flow to the retail environment. This solution was only realised following considerable comfort modelling by engineering consultancy Cundall including CFD to ensure sufficient comfort and operability could be achieved. A large skylight provides shoppers with daylight, without being disturbed by glare or overheating, this reduces the need for artificial lighting or increased cooling loads.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was considered from the outset of the project with analysis on the sub and super structure performed to review various structural options. The LCA was then utilised to make incremental improvements on materials selections.
Shoppers also have access to an external dining precinct, extensive pedestrian zone external comfort analysis which considered sun, shade, wind and humidity optimised the size and shape of this garden area to create an environment diners can enjoy throughout the year.
The project looked beyond consumption of resources and addressed the social impact of the project. Cundall undertook a SROI (Social Return of Investment) study which looked into the positive impact the development had on the surrounding community through reductions in crime, provision of performance spaces for local artists and reduced burden on health care facilities by creating healthy environments.
Awards
- NSW Architecture Awards 2015, Urban Design Award, Winner
- Architizer A+ Awards 2015, People’s Choice Shopping Centre, Winner
- Architizer A+ Awards 2015, Juror’s Choice Shopping Centre, Winner
- UDIA Awards for Excellence 2015, Retail/Commercial Development, Commendation
- UDIA Awards for Excellence 2015, NSW Regions and ACT, Winner
- AIA NSW Architecture Awards 2015, Award for Commercial Architecture, Winner
- AIA National Architecture Awards 2015, National Award for Commercial Architecture, Winner
- MBA Excellence in Construction Awards NSW 2015, Retail Buildings – New Buildings $50m+, Winner